A/N: Thank the gods for sembreak. Finally! Made this chapter longer to make up for the late update. Forgiven?
a-mystery-and-a-stranger, CaraRein, spica14, Strawberry's Jam, asdfghjklnatsu97, SuperHyacinthus – You guys are the best! I am so happy that you are still with me. I can never thank you guys enough for your reviews. Thanks a bunch! Group hug, please!
dokiwuvnabi – Your review makes me all go wiggly and squishy. For real. Thank you very much for that but no, I am not a good writer. I'm thankful, though, that you think like that. Yes, I have another story about them but it's only one-shot: "Condoms and Pregnancy Tests". I hope you would read it, too. Thanks!
ABCMECBA – But I thought Natsume x Mikan pairing is more wonderful than chocolates! Isn't it? And hey, thanks for your idea! Would surely keep it in my mind.
fallenangel19 – Yes! I have another story about Natsume X Mikan. It is entitled, "Condoms and Pregnancy Tests". Pervy title, I know. If you have the time, please read it, too. Thanks!
Disclaimer: Higuchi Tachibana and I are about to have some tea. Join us?
X,
Alyx Hawthorne
How do I explain this feeling?
Someone tell me
If I'm Not in Love with You
Chapter Three: Of Festive Punch and Parties
"Hotaru, what are you talking about? You didn't get up on the wrong side of the bed, did you?" Mikan looked over her best friend as she slung her lavender backpack on her shoulders.
Hotaru rolled her eyes. "I said," she exasperatedly replied as she continued to keep her notes inside her bag. "You accept Tsubasa's offer to you. I can tell that you kind of like him after his scene at English class, though the one you really like is that Hyuuga even though he rejected you years ago. Really, Mikan, don't give me that shocked look. You're insulting my skills in knowing and finding things out about people. And yes, I've been your best friend for God knows how long, even though I don't know how that happened," Hotaru shook her head slightly in regret or amusement, Mikan cannot decipher.
She saw Hotaru's glance slid sideways, the corners of her mouth upturned, as if she was hurt by something and doesn't want to show it. "I actually wondered why you didn't tell me about it but then I arrived in the simplest conclusion. Knowing you, Mikan Sakura, the reason why you didn't tell me about it was because you didn't want me to use my latest deadly invention to Hyuuga, which I thought I would love to try on him."
Mikan bit her lip and lowered her head. "Sorry, Hotaru," she said. "I just don't want you to worry about me. And besides," she looked ahead, shrugging down the memory, "I don't want to remember that particular past."
Mikan heard the deep sigh Hotaru expelled, "I understand. That's why I didn't push it." Mikan grinned at her gratefully and said, "Thanks!"
"But," Hotaru cut abruptly, making Mikan look at her again after the crushing hug she bestowed on her best friend. "Next time, I want you to tell me everything. I mean it. Although, I know you well enough, even if I don't use my skills on you, I want you to be the one to tell me. Understood?" Her violet eyes fixed intelligently upon her best friends', her arms crossed in front of her chest in a no-non-sense manner.
Mikan grinned and nodded. "Promise," and she made a cross sign on her chest.
They continued walking outside the campus and Mikan thought Hotaru dropped Tsubasa Andou's subject but then she continued again where she left with that business-like voice of hers. "As I was saying, I want you to consider Tsubasa Andou's offer. You know how I'm sick of the flowers and letters for you that we always find in front of our apartment. They stink. I hate wasting a trash bag just for those crap. Dating someone would stop all those. Do you follow what I'm saying?" Hotaru said, arching her perfect eyebrow to Mikan.
Mikan stared at her best friend as if she had grown a third eye. Hotaru rolled her eyes in annoyance. "What?" She asked.
But Mikan continued to stare at her, wide-eyed. "I can't believe you're saying these things to me, Hotaru Imai. Moreover about dating? Really, Hotaru," Mikan breathed, shaking her beautiful brown head.
Hotaru just stared at her for a moment before saying, "What do you not believe in all the things I said? That I'm telling you to date Tsubasa Andou? That the flowers at the apartment stink? Or that I'm stuck with an idiot for a best friend?" Hotaru calmly elaborated.
Mikan pouted at her. Her brown eyes lit up in amusement as she remembered something, "Hey, those are not just my flowers and letters!" Mikan protested. "You have your fair share there," Mikan continued to teased even as she saw Hotaru's face contort with disgust. "And yes," Mikan said brightly, "I've accepted long ago that you're stuck with an idiot for a best friend. And I also know that you have no choice but to stick with her," Mikan finished, grinning from ear to ear. She slung the other strap of her bag on her shoulder and looped her right arm on Hotaru's left.
Classes were already dismissed and the two of them headed for the gates of the campus where a car was already waiting. Two teenagers emitting an aura of beauty, intelligence, and peace; oblivious to the envious and admiring stares their school mates (even teachers) were giving to them. Mikan Sakura - the cheerful ball of sunshine; an Education sophomore; member of the Alice University Debate Team; member of the Alice University Fencing Club, and Hotaru Imai - the sophomore genius who has a double major in Technological Engineering and Business Administration; the Blackmail Queen, as known by the student body; the Ice Queen, as known by the faculty, staff, and administration; Vice President for Internal Affairs of the Alice University Student Government, the highest governing council representing the student body.
Both were the role models in their own and what the students secretly longed to be.
"Oh Hotaru, before I forget," Mikan fished out her tickler and pen for writing down important notes, "What was Anna's favorite color again? I was debating whether it was pink or green. She has so many green stuff with her but then she always says she loves the color of her hair. I've been thinking for days now and I cannot decide."
Hotaru glanced at her, "For her gift?'
"No, for the wrapper," Mikan huffed in agony.
Hotaru's eye twitched. Truly, she has an idiot for a best friend.
"I don't have time for nonsensical things like a gift wrapper. You can wrap it in an expensive paper or toilet paper for all I care. Either way, it will end up in the bin," Hotaru said as she strolled past Mikan.
"Hey, wait!" Mikan shouted, laughing at her moody best friend.
They were heading to Anna Umenomiya's house, a celebration party for her 21st birthday. She was the first one in the group who will turn legal and everyone was pysched about what would be in store for the party she would have.
Mikan stole a quick glance at her best friend and for the nth time, thanked God for that one fateful snowy day that she decided to play outside. She met Hotaru then and now she's a best friend, a mentor, and a sister. They have been through so many things together. Through the couple of ups and a handful of lows, they never left each other. Mikan was grateful that Hotaru could still understand her even if she sometimes made bad decisions on her own.
She was always in awe of her because of her infamous investigating skills that never failed to amaze not only her but the whole population of Alice University. But what she loved most about her was that she was the most understanding person she knew, although many didn't know that (and many won't ever have the chance to find out). Despite her cold demeanor and harsh language, Mikan knew how caring and thoughtful she was. She couldn't ask for anyone to have as a lifetime friend.
"Hey, Idiot, are you listening?" Hotaru's voice cut in the middle of Mikan's thoughts. Mikan snapped from her daydreaming and turned to her best friend as she grinned, "I was out for a moment back there. Sorry. What were you saying?"
"I was out for a moment back there. Sorry. What were you saying?" Her best friend sweetly said.
Hotaru checked her irritation as she felt her phone vibrated. She fished it out of her bag and looked at the message.
From: Mom
Sent: 4:39pm
Don't forget to go home before midnight, dear! Have fun at Anna's!
Love, Mom
She rolled her eyes. Really, her Mom loved her and Mikan attending parties. "Because I could pick a cute dress for the two of you!" And Mikan and her mother would jump in excitement. Sometimes, she truly wonder how her Mother was the total opposite of her. She got the serious attitude from her father, there was no doubt there. Thank Kami, she thought.
Hotaru typed a quick reply to her Mom as she continued her speech without falter, "I said, Tsubasa Andou is a good bet." She hit the send button and kept the phone. "I've already ran a background-check on him. He's 22 years old, 6"2 inches. Birthday is July 15. Blood type O. His father is a renowned businessman in Europe and his mother is a pediatrician in a hospital in Nice. He has no siblings but he has two cousins, Yumi and Yuri, whom he treats as his own sisters. He drives a Sonata, color black. He has three international medals and five national medals in swimming. He's planning to be a doctor, like her mother. But his dream is to be in the Olympic games. Three years ago, he fell in love with a girl named Harada Misaki and they became a couple for six months and 2 weeks but the girl left him for school abroad, and when they broke up, he never had a girlfriend since then. He plays two instruments; guitar and drums. His sports are Swimming, basketball, and fencing. He's the best bet. I said it already, didn't I? " Hotaru laid the information of Tsubasa Andou to Mikan, as if she was just commenting a leaf upon Mikan's hair.
Mikan stared at her, her jaw slackening, her brown eyes wider and Hotaru knew what she was thinking: Is she serious?
She rolled her eyes for the nth time. "Close your mouth, Idiot. I won't be responsible if a fly found its way there."
Hotaru then she frowned, remembering a flaw from her information about the fourth year student, Tsubasa Andou.
"No, actually, he is not the best bet," she countered suddenly, a frown marring her smooth forehead. "His record in swimming last week in 1500m freestyle was 14 minutes and 37 seconds but two days ago, it landed on 15 minutes and 3 seconds. It means he easily loses his focus, whatever external factor it is," Hotaru pursed her lips, satisfied that her information were accurate, and ended her tirade of information about the swimmer.
She glanced at Mikan, who thankfully closed her mouth already but still had her eyes opened like saucers. An exasperated sigh escaped her lips.
A gray Saab 9-5 was already in front of them. The driver went out, circled the car and stopped in front of the two teenagers as he opened the door.
"Good afternoon, Miss Imai, Miss Sakura," The driver greeted and bowed at them.
Hotaru snapped her fingers in front of Mikan's stunned face, "Mikan Sakura," Hotaru irritably snapped, calling her.
She saw Hotaru snapping her fingers in front of her blank face. Mikan shook her head to clear it. "I– You– You're scary, Hotaru!" She exclaimed, exaggerating it by putting bother her hands on her chest. "No, you are creepy! I can't believe you'll background-check someone, much less to Tsubasa-senpai!" Mikan stammered, thinking how capable her best friend was to knowing and learning everything about everyone.
Even without permission, Mikan thought and she shuddered.
Her best friend just gracefully arched her right eyebrow at Mikan then rolled her eyes at her as she nodded to the driver to acknowledge his greeting and went inside the Imai's family car.
Mikan saw Hotaru looked about her shoulder and called her, "Are you coming in or what? Don't think our discussion is over. We'll continue this when we get home," she scoffed. Hotaru and Mikan were living together in an apartment near the Alice University. Ever since Mikan's grandfather died, and without parents, the Imais took Mikan under their care, as they knew the girl since she was a baby running around their house back in the province of Hokkaido.
When they entered college, Mr. Kazuma Imai, Hotaru's father, bought an apartment for the leisure of the two girls. Although they said that it was okay even if Mikan didn't pay anything, Mikan insisted that she would share with Hotaru in paying the bills and other miscellaneous through her part time job at a restaurant. And although the Imais told her not to, they were not immune to the girl's strong personality and in the end, they reluctantly agreed. "You are really like your grandfather, Mi-chan, always so stubborn," they said, shaking their heads. They told her not to tire herself in her work, though. "Thank you, Auntie and Uncle!" Mikan beamed.
"Bossy as ever, Miss Hotaru Imai," Mikan chuckled. She turned to the man holding the car door, "Good afternoon, Mr. Takenoru," she greeted the Imai Family's driver before scrambling inside the car.
The gray Saab sped away, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake.
"Natsume, wait up!"
Natsume looked about his left shoulder and stopped as he knew that voice and saw his best friend waving at him, running as he made his way through the throng of students in the corridors.
He looked at Ruka Nogi, his best friend for years and years, who was panting behind him. Ruka's blonde hair was disheveled, his blue eyes half-closed from fatigue of running from building to another building, where his class was located, just to catch him.
"What is it?" Natsume asked casually.
Ruka straightened up. "Aren't you going to Umenomiya-san's?" he asked, already catching up his breath. His French accent has been long gone, Natsume noticed. What with living in Japan for almost fifteen years.
Natsume wondered briefly who was Umenomiya and then suddenly he remembered a certain smiling, brunette girl holding a box of goggles for the swim team with Umenomiya pasted in front of it. Natsume saw her passing it on a girl who has waist-length pink hair who he thought smelled like chlorine and sun as he walked past her.
Natsume flicked his glance back at him. "The pink-haired? What about her?" He asked Ruka as he resumed his walk out of the building.
"Yeah, member of the Alice U Women's Swimming Team. Today's her birthday party celebration," Ruka, breathing already back to normal thanks to his training, turned to him and asked, "You're going, right?"
"No," was Natsume's curt reply.
He saw Ruka's face fell. "What? Why? I thought we're going!"
"You sound like a whiny kid, Ruka," Natsume started, "If you want to go, then go. I won't waste my time because of a stupid party. I have many things to do and we have training early in the morning," he said matter-of-factly and turned his back on him, not acknowledging the presence of the fan girls batting their eyelashes at him.
"Sakura will be there," he heard him say quietly.
Ruka saw the beat of hesitance in his step before resuming again.
The party was a good opportunity for him to strike a conversation with a certain beautiful, cold violet-eyed girl, who was inclined to avoid him whenever he's on her sight. He was secretly pinning for Hotaru Imai ever since she helped him get over with the death of his pet bunny back in their junior high days. He didn't know why she did that, but he was thankful she did. There was no getting over the death of his longtime pet and friend, Usagi, and everybody told him that the gloom on his face was permanent. He thought so, too. Even Natsume was worried. Then one day, Hotaru went up to him and gave him a pet bird, which he name Usui, and was still inside his room to this day. He didn't know when it started but he liked her and suddenly, it wasn't just "like" anymore. It was so much more. He had no idea how to approach the nicknamed "Blackmail Queen" but Ruka knew he had to do something or he might go crazy about his bottled-up feelings.
Looking at Natsume, he instantly stiffened, giving proof to what Rukas had been suspecting long ago. He got to give it to his best friend, how he was able to hide his emotions. He knew that if it were he, he'd end up making a decision he knew will get him nowhere near Hotaru Ima's list of "What I Love."
"You like her, don't you?"
Natsume froze and Ruka could see his body contracting. He knew that it was not a good sign but Ruka thought there would be no one to tell him how foolish he was for not accepting the fact that he liked Mikan Sakura except him, his best friend. What he meant was, what are best friends for, yeah?
"What did you say?" He whispered gravely, slowly turning to him, an unreadable expression etched on his handsome face.
Uh-oh. Ready for the kill, Ruka thought. But he didn't cower. This was his best friend and he deserved to be punched with the truth because knowing him, he would just brush off everything, even if it was important for him deep down.
He sighed as he ran a hand over his windswept blonde hair, "I said Sakura Mikan would be there. You like her, Natsume. You don't want to miss the chance to be with her, now you won't, right?" He glanced at the subtle tighteneing of Natsume's grip on his gym bag but Ruka persisted, "Natsume, don't hide that fact from me because I know you – everything about you – like the back of my hand. And you're the same with me. You like Sakura. You're just afraid to admit it. Even to yourself. But it will get you nowhere," Ruka waited for some reaction from his best friend but he remained still as a stone.
Frustrated, Ruka ran both his hands on his hair, "For Pete's sake, admit it, Natsume! If you don't, sooner or later, you'll lose her to someone. We both know that Sakura has suitors although they were all afraid to make a move because of you, who always watch her like panther protecting his cub. Now that Andou-senpai did that, I'm sure everyone will follow suit," Ruka frustratingly explained, wanting Natsume to see what he would miss if he won't act soon.
He still got no reaction, only the muscle leaping at Natsume's jaw.
Ruka sighed exasperatedly, "I swear, don't come running to me when your heart breaks because I know how you detest the phrase, 'I told you so.'" Ruka knew he hit a spot. But he didn't care now. He knew long ago that Natsume cared for the girl. He was afraid for his friend if Sakura found someone other than his best friend, he might go back to being that aloof, violent, temperament recluse he was in their kindergarten days.
Ruka's face was unflinching despite the death glare he was giving.
When he turned his ominous, icy glare at his poor friend, he suddenly felt an incomparable anger within him for the words his friend dared to say without apprehension when he himself, in truth, cannot admit, even unconsciously.
His composure was shattered.
"You are my best friend so I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. You know you have no right– " Natsume started but Ruka cut him in.
"Cut the crap, Natsume. Admit it! Stop torturing yourself and admit that you really like her. It won't do you any good evading the truth and you know it," his best friend said, who looked truly irritated for his childish attitude when it comes, and only, to Mikan Sakura.
Natsume closed his eyes, breathing hard, taking the moment to let the anger leave his body before he decided to do bodily injury to his friend.
As if in a transformation, Ruka witnessed his friend's ability to control his emotions, which he thought only intelligent and strong people can do. Natsume's eyes which were red, liquid fire seconds ago became velvet icicles. Natsume leveled the cool blast of his gaze at him, shrugged indifferently as if saying, Whatever, then resumed his walking to the gates, his gym bag slung across his broad shoulder.
Ruka sighed and shook his head.
Stubborn idiot, he thought.
"Welcome, Mikan-chan, Hotaru-chan! Thank you for coming!" Anna Umenomiya greeted them warmly with a hug. Anna's long, curly hair were straightened and pinned at the sides. She was wearing a gray, tulle dress that complemented her pink hair.
"Happy Birthday, Anna!" Mikan grinned as she held to Anna a box wrapped in a purple paper with silver bow on the center.
"Happy birthday," Hotaru said as she passed to her a box wrapped also beautifully in a pink paper with lace ribbon adorning the sides of the box.
Anna ushered her two friends inside the living room turned into a loud dance floor and exclaimed, "Wow! You really don't have to do this, guys. But, thank you!" Anna sniffed, touched by their generousness, and gave her friends another hug.
"Come on! The party has just started!" Anna said, leading the two girls on the Umenomiya's large backyard where everyone was busy helping their selves with food and drinks.
Anna saw a friend waving at her at the end of the backyard and she turned to her two friends, "Oh, I have to leave for now! Please, enjoy yourselves, Mikan, Hotaru! See you later!" Then she dashed off to whatever business she had to attend to.
Mikan looked around her in amazement.
Roses colored pink and purple were strewn together in a silver rope, making a large entrance arc in the Umenomiya backyard. Chandeliers that looked like falling teardrops hung from the center of the living room in a circular path. Lanterns of different colors with matching pink and purple laces were thatched everywhere, the living room, kitchen, and backyard. There were strobe lights dancing crazily in every direction and the booming sounds from the speakers gave life to the party. A very long table with different cuisines was beside the pool and the refreshment table, which was on the other side, were full of colorful drinks.
Everybody at school donned semi-formal. They were all laughing and dancing and having a great time.
"Wow, this place is so great! Anna and Nonoko did a good job!" Mikan whistled.
"Come on, let's go the refreshments table. I'm thirsty," Hotaru said then waded her way to the table at the center, Mikan following at her wake.
"Hey, Mikan! Imai-san! Come join us!" A girl, Shizuka Nato, waved. Mikan remembered her from her Theology class. She waved in reply.
"Hi, Sakura! Looking great!" a couple of guys greeted her. Mikan remembered they were from her Psychology class. She greeted them back and said "thank you", but not without blushing from shyness from the blunt appreciation of her classmates.
Hotaru grasped her hand and tugged her behind.
"Wow, seems like this party is well-known," Mikan mumbled, she she looked around them.
They arrived at the table minutes later, greeting back everyone who greeted them (actually, she was the only one waving back. Hotaru couldn't care less about the people saying hi to them).
Mikan was choosing a drink between a diet cola and pineapple juice when she felt a soft air whiff against the sensitive spot on her ear.
A shudder run through her against her will as she heard a low chuckle behind her. She turned around, and found a pair of midnight blue eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Oh, Tsubasa-senpai!" She gasped.
"Good evening, Mikan-chan. And may I say you look lovely more than ever," Tsubasa Andou complimented, eyeing her gold sabrina blouse, which was showing off her smooth shoulders, and her black silk pants hugging every curve in her body.
Mikan's cheeks reddened, "Not really but thank you. Senpai looks great, too."
He chucked Mikan under her chin, and said thank you, also. Leaning against the nearest wall, he said, "So, what do you think of Anna's party? Everyone at the Swim Team said this is going to be great. Looks like Anna made sure of it."
Mikan noddedin agreement. "Yeah, it's amazing! My favorite is that rose arc over there," she pointed at the beautiful arc.
"It is fantastic. Well, my favorite is this," Tsubasa sweeped his hand over the long table as Mikan laughed. "Somehow, I knew you would say that," she said.
"Do you want to try this one? This tastes great," he gave her a glass with rainbow liquid swirling inside. Mikan accepted it with a smile as she asked, "What is this, Tsubasa-senpai?"
"It's called a punch, Idiot," Hotaru cut-in and answered Mikans questions. Mikan looked at her best friend and saw her sipping a glass with the same color.
She crinkled her nose at the glass, "I know it's a punch, Hotaru. I mean, what's the mix? How much is the alcohol content in this drink?" She abruptly asked, remembering that one time she vomited because of a cursed whiskey and rhum.
"Not quite high. Just 5%, I guess," Tsubasa answered, shrugging his wide shoulders.
Mikan started to put down and return the drink in the table, shaking her head.
"As if 5% would kill you," Hotaru commented as she continued sipping her glass of punch.
Tsubasa laughed in amusement, "Yeah, Mikan-chan. This is alright. It would start to get bad if you drink a lot of it. But if you only sip once in a while it would be okay," he said and sipped his drink, as if to show her how.
She pursed her lips, "I know, Senpai. It's just that, I'm apprehensive with alcohols now ever since– " Mikan suddenly stopped, her cheeks reddening. "Ever since what?" Tsubasa curiously asked. "Well, um, nothing," When Tsubasa looked like he was going to ask more about it, Mikan grabbed the punch, "Well, anyway, this is a good night so I guess I'd succumb to the temptation of alcohol. Cheers, Senpai!" she gave a weak laugh. Tsubasa shook his head and smiled, clinking his glass to hers, his question forgotten.
Mikan heaved a sigh of relief.
"Hey, call me Tsubasa, will you? It feels like I'm very old whenever you add –senpai in my name," he suddenly said, the request evident in his eyes.
"But, it's awkward, Tsubasa-sen – " Tsubasa cut her off with his forefinger.
"Mikan-chan, I want you to call me by my name. I permit you to do so, okay? Please," Tsubasa gave her a smile that made Mikan's insides warm. He then looked over her best friend, Hotaru Imai.
"Imai-san, may I borrow Mikan-chan for a dance?" He asked Hotaru, smiling at her.
Hotaru arched her eyebrows at him though she liked the way Andou Tsubasa asked her first before dancing with Mikan, it was like he was asking for her permission.
And why should she not give it? She herself was nagging Mikan to accept Tsuabasa's affection.
Hotaru shrugged as she sipped her punch, "Just don't let her trip you and make her look more idiot," Hotaru replied nonchalantly, already reaching for another glass.
Mikan huffed exasperatedly, "Hotaru! I can dance, you know!"
Tsubasa chortled amusingly then said, "Don't worry. If that happens, I won't let Mikan look like that alone. I'll be with her," Tsubasa replied, winking at Mikan.
Hotaru raised her eyebrows and head tipped sideways, as if in approval.
Mikan felt herself blush as Tsubasa offered graciously his hand to her, bowing slightly, "Dance with me, Mikan-chan," he earnestly said, his midnight blue eyes mirroring the chandeliers in the room, making his eyes look the deepest of sapphires. The warm feeling in her stomach didn't go away.
Mikan smiled, matching his playful elegance, and half-curtsied, "Sure," she replied.
And Mikan let herself be led on the dance floor.
"Wow, Umenomiya's party is a blast!" Ruka said in bewilderment, eyeing the full-packed house with students from the Alice University.
Just as he thought, everyone was dressed semi-formal. All around them, people were laughing, drinking, eating. Some were smoking and having a dip in the pool.
Ruka grinned, "I'm so glad we made it here. It has been a long time since I've attended a party. Come on, Natsume!" Ruka tugged an indifferent Natsume beside him. "Let's get this party rockin!" He laughed at Natsume's begrudged expression.
Natsumw grunted in annoyance. Remind him why the hell did he let himself be dragged into this again? Oh yeah, his fucking best friend who fucked his composure, saying shit about Sakura and her being taken by other guys. He must be out of his damned mind, that Ruka.
As they entered Umenomiya's porch, everyone started to whisper and look at their direction.
"Isn't that Natsume Hyuuga? I cannot believe I would see him here!" A girl said to her companion, eyes widening.
"Holy mother of Gucci! It's my first time to see him close! He is so gorgeous! And Nogi-san, too! He looks like a prince charming off a fairy tale book!" Her companion gushed as she started to bob her hair, and pull down her tube blouse slightly, trying to attract the two handsome guys' attention.
"What are you saying?" A girl shouldered her way in between the gossips. "I heard Natsume Hyuuga never attends parties. They say he hates them. It would be the end of the world if he – Oh my gosh! He really is here!" The girl squealed and tried to greet the two to no avail.
"Hey, Natsume-sama! Ruka-sama! Want to dance?"
Ruka shook his head in a regretful way, smiling to them. Natsume just continued walking, not caring a bit.
The girls who saw them started to spread the news to others.
Soon, the roomful of people knew that Natsume Hyuuga, the legendary Alice University Soccer Team Captain who got the position even if he was still a freshman; The genius, who always got an A+ even without opening a book; The breathtakingly handsome, who never cared a pin anything or anyone (except his close friends), was at the place they would bet the last place on earth he would ever set foot – at a college party.
"Oh, Hyuuga-san!" Anna Umenomiya greeted. "So, it's true you guys are here. Thank you very much for coming! I never dreamt you guys would be here but nonetheless, I am thankful," Anna said to her guests, smiling, welcoming them to the already loud, crowded living room.
"Hello, Umenomiya-san. Great party you have here. Happy Birthday!" Ruka said and then gave her friendly hug as Anna responded graciously.
Natsume curt his head towards Anna for greeting. Anna Umenomiya just smiled to him with the same equanimity.
Anna started to tell them where the refreshments, the food, the bathroom, the kitchen were.
"And there," pointing at a hallway, "is the kitchen where you could find other drinks. Don't hesitate to call me if you have questions, okay? Again, thank you, guys, for coming. I hope you enjoy it! I have to go now and attend to my other guests," she smiled and waved to them. "See you around, Hyuuga-san, Nogi-san!" and she dashed off to the backyard.
"Come on, Natsume!" Ruka urged his friend who was completely indifferent with everything happening around them, not even glancing or acknowledging the greetings the students were giving to him.
Ruka glanced back again at Natsume as they waded through the throng of people. He caught Natsume discrettly looking around the vast room.
Ah, the lovelorn swain. Probably looking for Sakura, he chuckled to himself. Natsume heard his amused chuckle and glared at him, knowing well that Ruka had just read his actions.
"What?" Ruka countered innocently. "Not my fault you are so transparent," Ruka said defensively, enjoying his teasing antics to the forever-cold and cool Natsume Hyuuga.
They were headed to the refreshment table when Ruka finally caught sight of Sakura.
And she is not alone.
Moreover, she was encircled in another man's arms.
Oh shit, he thought, thinking of a way to lead Natsume away from the dance floor so he won't see the aberrant view. When he looked over his shoulder, he saw that he was too late.
Natsume stood frigidly beside the refreshment table, his arms clenched in his side, his body emanating the aura of bored distaste.
But Ruka knew better.
He saw the deadly glint lurking at Natsume's crimson eyes that was screaming murder at the moment.
Mikan and Tsubasa were oblivious to the chatters and gossips around them. They danced and swayed against the music, their bodies perfectly in rhythm.
It has been so long since I last danced like this. When was it? Mikan asked herself, reminiscing. Then she remembered that night when they were still in Junior High. It was the Christmas Masquerade Ball and Mikan found herself dancing with a graceful partner who was wearing a black cat mask.
Her partner's hands encircled her small waist and her hand gripped tightly into his. They danced, and Mikan forgot the whole world.
Only to find out her partner was Natsume Hyuuga. Maybe that was the first time she admitted that she really liked the genius guy, with his mesmerizing crimson eyes, and–
She checked herself mid-stride.
Okay, Mikan. What the heck are you doing? I thought you are over reminiscing about that? You finally found the courage to put everything behind, right? Yes, you've been doing that for two years! Now pull yourself together, girl, Her sub-conscious reprimanded her.
"A penny for your thoughts?" Tsubasa asked, his eyes questioning.
Mikan shook her head, embarrassed for being caught up in a daydream about a guy's crimson eyes and elegant dancing while being in another guy's arms,"Uh no, it was nothing. Sorry, Tsubasa-sen – I mean, Tsubasa," Mikan corrected herself when she saw Andou's soft reprimand in his eyes. Gee, Mikan, focus, she reprimanded herself.
After a few moments, he asked, "Are you thirsty?" Mikan started to say "No" but then thought of it again, "Sure. I think I'd go for one more."
"Wait, I put our drink somewhere here," Tsubasa stopped and tried to located their glasses. "Ah, here it is." Tsubasa gave her her glass of punch as he settled his arm around Mikan's shoulder. "Cheers," he clinked his glass with hers.
"Cheers," Mikan tipped her glass as a gesture of thanks and drank, thankful for the cold punch that washed away her thirst and dark thoughts. She did not mind Tsubasa's arm casually settled around her shoulder. Maybe it was the effect of the punch.
She looked at the lanterns strewn everywhere and she thought she saw colorful orbs. Her mind felt a bit woozy and her vision was somewhat clouded. The strobe lights are pretty crazy in here, she thought, looking at the blinding lights. She continued to sip and let her eyes wander around the room.
Anna's party is a total blast! I'm so happy for her, she thought. She started to take another sip at her punch, and almost dropped her glass when her eyes clashed with those of crimson.
The crimson eyes which looked murderous at the moment.
To Be Continued
A/N: That was the longest chapter, so far! Wow, how was I able to do it? I need some drinks, too, please! Anyways, let me hear from you. Show some love!
X,
Alyx Hawthorne
